New details have been released following the assault that occurred Monday inside the cafeteria at Lake Central High School in St. John.
According to the St. John Police Department, detectives took a 16-year-old juvenile into custody Tuesday at a residence in Merrillville in connection with the incident. The juvenile was transported to the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center and charged with Aggravated Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 Felony.
Police stated the juvenile was not taken into custody on the day of the incident because he also sustained injuries requiring medical treatment and clearance before being accepted into the juvenile detention facility.
As previously reported by Region News Source, the incident allegedly involved one student striking another student with what witnesses described as a “sucker punch” while the victim was standing in line during a lunch period. Witnesses told RNS the victim lost consciousness and additional punches were allegedly thrown while the student was on the ground.
Multiple sources reported the victim sustained significant injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. St. John Police now confirm the victim has since been released from the hospital and is recovering. Authorities stated the injuries are considered serious but are not life-threatening. Police added the victim is alert, conscious, and oriented. No further details on the injuries are being released to protect the student’s privacy.
Lake Central School Corporation previously confirmed a “physical altercation” occurred during a lunch period and stated one student was taken into custody for their actions. School officials also said counselors would be made available for students impacted by the incident.
One witness familiar with the situation previously told RNS that school administrators and the School Resource Officer responded within seconds after the radio call went out. Part of the cafeteria was reportedly temporarily shut down due to the amount of blood at the scene and to allow medical personnel to assist the injured student.
St. John Police stated the investigation remains active and emphasized that violent behavior in a school setting will not be tolerated.
